Richard Jenkins Biography: Richard Dale Jenkins, born on May 4, 1947, is a seasoned American actor best recognized for his role as the late patriarch Nathaniel Fisher in HBO’s critically acclaimed series Six Feet Under (2001–2005). He began his acting journey in theater with the Trinity Repertory Company and made his film debut in 1974.
Richard Jenkins Biography
Richard Jenkins, born on May 4, 1947, in DeKalb, Illinois, is a veteran American actor and producer known for standout roles in The Shape of Water (2017), The Visitor (2007), and Step Brothers (2008). He has been married to Sharon R. Friedrick since August 23, 1969, and together they have two children. Before his acting career took off, Jenkins worked as a summer truck driver for the father of fellow actor John C. Reilly in Illinois.
Richard Jenkins Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Richard Dale Jenkins
May 4, 1947 DeKalb, Illinois, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Illinois Wesleyan University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Spouse |
Sharon R. Friedrick
(m. 1969) |
| Children | 2 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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Richard Jenkins Personal Life
In a twist of fate, Jenkins met Reilly when he was just four years old—years before they would later co-star in Step Brothers. As a young boy, Jenkins had a deep admiration for British actress Hayley Mills. So enamored was he that he once dreamed of moving to England to become her gardener, hoping it would lead to a romantic connection.
About Richard Jenkins
Richard Dale Jenkins is an American actor. He is well known for his portrayal of deceased patriarch Nathaniel Fisher on the HBO funeral drama series Six Feet Under. He began his career in theater at the Trinity Repertory Company and made his film debut in 1974.
Richard Jenkins Achievements
Since the 1980s, Jenkins has built a prolific career, primarily in supporting roles across film and television. His diverse film credits include The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Little Nikita (1988), Flirting with Disaster (1996), Snow Falling on Cedars (1999), The Mudge Boy (2003), Burn After Reading (2008), Step Brothers (2008), Let Me In (2010), Jack Reacher (2012), The Cabin in the Woods (2012), Bone Tomahawk (2015), The Last Shift (2020), The Humans (2021), and Nightmare Alley (2021).
Richard Jenkins Wiki
- Born: 4 May 1947 (age 78 years), DeKalb, Illinois, United States
- Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie ·
- Spouse: Sharon R. Friedrick (m. 1969)
- Nominations: Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role ·
- Children: Sarah Pamela Jenkins, Andrew Dale Jenkins
- Height: 1.85 m
Early Life
Richard Jenkins was born and raised in DeKalb, Illinois. His mother, Mary Elizabeth (née Wheeler), was a homemaker, while his father, Dale Stevens Jenkins, worked as a dentist. He attended DeKalb High School and, before pursuing a career in acting, worked as a linen truck driver—his employer at the time was the father of future actor John C. Reilly. Jenkins went on to study drama at Illinois Wesleyan University and later moved to Rhode Island to further his career in the performing arts.
Richard Jenkins Facts
Where does Richard Jenkins live? And how much money does Richard Jenkins earn?
| Birth Date | 4-5-1947 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
| Residence | He lives together in a house in Cumberland, Rhode Island, United States. |
Richard Jenkins Net Worth 2025
Richard Jenkins has earned a prosperous net worth of $8 million from his career as an actor and producer. He is widely known for his appearances in the series Six Feet Under, and in the movie The Shape of Water. He has also starred in many other productions such as Step Brothers, Jack Reacher, The Cabin in the Woods, and Netflix’s Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
| Estimated Net Worth | 8 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Colleagues | Evan Peters, Molly Ringwald & Niecy Nash |
Richard Jenkins: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
Richard is in a blissful marriage since 1969 with his wife Sharon R. Friedrick. They have two children together namely Andrew Dale Jenkins and Sarah Pamela Jenkins.
| Relationship status | Married (Since 1969) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Wife of Richard Jenkins | Sharon R. Friedrick |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | |
| Has any kids? | Yes, father of: Sarah Pamela Jenkins & Andrew Dale Jenkins |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Dale Stevens Jenkins (Father)
- Mary Elizabeth Jenkins (Mother)
- Andrew Dale Jenkins (Son)
- Sarah Pamela Jenkins (Sister)
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This passionate actor originating from DeKalb, Illinois, United States has a tall body & long face type.
| Hair color | Grey |
| Hairstyle | simple |
| Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Height | 185 cm |
| Weight | 80 kilo |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Richard Jenkins smoke? | Not anymore, quit smoking |
| Does Richard Jenkins have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What made Richard Jenkins pursue acting professionally?
Before becoming a full-time actor, Richard Jenkins worked as a linen truck driver. His interest in drama, cultivated during his time at Illinois Wesleyan University, eventually led him to pursue acting professionally.
How did Richard Jenkins and John C. Reilly first meet?
Richard Jenkins first met John C. Reilly when Reilly was just four years old. Jenkins was working as a truck driver for Reilly’s father in Illinois. The two later reunited professionally in the film Step Brothers (2008).
Has Richard Jenkins worked with any major directing duos?
Yes, Richard Jenkins is known for frequently collaborating with both the Farrelly Brothers and the Coen Brothers, appearing in several of their films over the years.
Where did Richard Jenkins study theater?
Richard Jenkins earned his degree in drama from Illinois Wesleyan University, where he laid the foundation for his long and successful acting career.
Is Richard Jenkins connected to Rhode Island?
Yes, Jenkins is one of several Rhode Island residents to have worked with the Farrelly Brothers. He even bought a house down the street from their childhood home in Cumberland, Rhode Island.
Who was Richard Jenkins’ childhood crush?
As a young boy, Richard Jenkins had a crush on British actress Hayley Mills. He even fantasized about moving to England and becoming her gardener in hopes she would fall in love with him.